Legend of Immortals

After breakfast, Shen Hui had the innkeeper bring out another jar of wine to take on the road.

He took out a few bits of loose silver and set them on the counter.

Yet the innkeeper recoiled as though his hand had been scalded, refusing it again and again no matter what.

Not only did he refuse to take it, he even stuffed back the ingot of silver from last night, untouched, saying repeatedly:

"Your Immortal Grace's presence at this humble inn is a blessing beyond measure. How could I take your money again? This wine is my offering to you. Please, do not stand on ceremony."

Shen Hui could neither laugh nor cry. He pushed the man's hand back.

"How could that be proper? When one stays at an inn and eats, paying is only right. How could this poor Daoist eat and lodge for free?"

But the innkeeper seemed determined, his face wreathed in smiles as he kept pressing the silver into Shen Hui's palm.

"Please do not refuse, Your Immortal Grace. Though I have never studied, I know a little reason. For an eminent person like you to be willing to sit in my little inn is to bring glory upon it. If I accepted this silver, I would not sleep soundly at night."

The two went back and forth twice.

Seeing sweat beading on the innkeeper's brow, Shen Hui knew that he was sincere, not merely being polite.

With a helpless sigh, he tucked the silver back into his sleeve and cupped his hands.

"Then I shall accept. Many thanks, Innkeeper."

Seeing that he had finally accepted, the innkeeper let out a long breath of relief. He eagerly carried the wine jar for them and escorted them all the way to the door.

The diners in